Maxton Charles Rice

Max came to a baseball camp we ran shortly after being diagnosed. He couldn’t really run, couldn’t throw like he usually does and couldn’t get around that well. He finished every drill and every rep even though you could see he was exhausted. It was an inspiration to me, the coaches and every kid at the camp! His heart and toughness that weekend is something I have and will talk about for years to come. So sorry for your loss Kevin and Amber.

Hi Kevin, I’m terribly sorry for your loss. Nobody is ever prepared to face such a painful event. I’m sure your son fought this battle until the very end, knowing how deeply he was loved by so many people, especially by his loving parents.

I don’t have many words, because I know nothing can truly heal a loss like this. But when my grandpa passed away, someone told me that our loved ones transform from being with us to being inside us. I’ve always carried those words with me. He’ll be there in every smile, every sunny day, and every laugh around you, reminding you of him and of the love you shared.

I’m sending you a big hug and my deepest condolences to you and your family. I’m thinking of you and sending you so much love during this incredibly difficult time. I appreciate you very much.

Kevin and Amber, we’re so incredibly sorry. Max was such a special kid, and there was just something about him that made everyone who knew him love him. His smile, his personality, and the way he made people feel loved and like family were unforgettable. We feel so blessed to have known Max and to have had him touch our lives. ❤️#44

There are those who bring a light so bright to the world that when they leave, The light remains! May our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ hold Max in there arms until the perfect day! And may our Father in Heaven comfort you and bring you peace in the days ahead.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you grieve the loss of your angel Max. He will always be with you and your family is forever.

We shared the redwoods and I believe Max's spirt will always be there. Max seemed to have questions as to what I was doing instead of off running around with the other kids from both our families. He wanted to know everything I was doing. I think Max knew the best way to learn something, you need to ask a question.

My deepest condolences to your family and friends. Max was beloved at school by his teachers and friends. May he continue to be an inspiration to all and may your hearts rejoice in his beautiful time on Earth.

Sooo sorry for your lost. My heart goes out to you and your family.

We love you, Max. This news is hitting very very very hard. We’ll carry our memories of your smile, your heart, and your friendship with us to the ballpark, always. Number 44 Forever 💙

Dear Rice Family,
I was Max's elementary school librarian and he was just wonderful! He was always kind to everyone, including me. I could see that his friends and classmates really enjoyed being around him as he made others feel included and respected. I loved his outgoing, fun personality and that he usually smiled whenever he talked. I knew right away when he first came to my library that he was a sports guy. He always wanted to know where the sports books were and was disappointed when I didn't have any books about Jerry Rice. I genuinely enjoyed when he would come talk to me during library. He was so smart and articulate and liked to tell me about his day or comment on something we discussed in class. He even took the time to explain to me the difference between an incomplete and a fumble. He couldn't believe that I was 46 years old and didn't know basic football!
I know you don't know me but I'm so glad that I got to know your sweet son for just a little bit. Our library now has a book about Jerry Rice in Max's honor.
- Jamie Matthews

I was a classmate of max, max had such a huge heart and soul and he always made people smile. I wasn’t that close with him but I noticed his kindness towards my friends, whenever someone was having a rough day he noticed first. His smile was so hopeful everyday . He always managed to make people laugh No matter how tough his day was, he put on a smile and looked on the bright side. I honestly wish I could have been there for him more considering all the good he did in the world and how important he made people feel. he included everyone, he checked on people, and there was something about him just being trusting, like his personality just felt welcoming, like you could trust him with telling him anything and he wouldn’t judge anything, I wish I spent more time around him because his whole personality just made everyone happy and feel warm. I hope his big heart forever holds all the amazing memories his family and friends gave him.

I was a friend of max as well. We went to school together, and by far he was always the kindest classmate you could ever imagine. He was always up for anything even when things were so hard. I hope he knows how much everyone cared for him. May he rest in peace. We will miss him.

I met Max in California in 2018. Kevin brought Max to work in a new house we were building in Loma Mar California. I immediately took a liking to Max, he brought laughter and joy to the job site. I remember he would use the battery blower to try to blow gophers out of the ground. He was so funny. The three of us worked together in a few different jobs, We became good friends. The Rice family moved to Utah and I moved to Australia but we still kept in touch. Hearing about Max’s fight with cancer was a little difficult for me but I knew Max and I knew how tough and brave he was so I never lost hope. I knew no matter what, we would never lose Max. And we haven’t! I still feel Max’s presence, he still very much with us. I talk to him when I go on trial runs and through my weekly days, he is always there smiling and listening! Max took an early train to a destination we are all going to. I’m excited have Max show me around when I get there. 🙏🏻

Max was one of those kids that made life fun, always laughing, joking and having a good time. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into something worth remembering.
Everytime Max and Kayden got together it was an adventure. Whether it was the many, many bike rides, dinosaur costumes, matching shirts, building forts, or scaring each other with ghost stories about skin walkers and racing back home- It was always a good time!
Max had an impact on our entire family. He would come over and sit in Cole’s office while he worked, talking about sports, and telling jokes while waiting for Kayden to finish chores. He would ask Kennadi to play whatever game they were making up that day and made her feel included. He had a bond with Kaizen over their love of baseball. Max and Kayden would always convince me to go to the gas station for treats and drinks. We would drive with the windows down, music blasting, which his playlist consisted of Blink-182, Green Day and Lincoln Park- my kind of music.
Max - what an incredible privilege we had knowing you. I know you are riding your new bike, music blasting, going on your next adventure. And hopefully going just fast enough to make Kayden work for that next race you guys will have. ❤️

Hi my name is grace i was one of maxs friends im so sorry to hear about his passing i wanna tell you….max was an amazing friend and he is an amazing kid and hes so kind and will always have a special place in my heart as a friend obviously

I was also a classmate of max. He was someone that I always knew would be there when you needed him the most someone to make you laugh when your having a bad day, and I know that for a fact because I know from experience. Whenever I felt down he was always one of the people to talk to me first. I have been a classmate of max for a long time he will always have a place in my heart and one day I shall see him again in a world far away from here. I’m so sorry for the loss of max and his family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Nova Powelson

My deepest condolences to my dear friend Kevin and his family. Words can’t express how much I admire the Rice family strength and union. There’s now an angel taking care of all from above. You keep being on my and family’s prayers.

I wasn’t a close friend of max, he was in my homeroom and science class but he was so much kinder to people then others, it’s heartbreaking to see someone my age die and someone so exceptional at that, but he’ll always be in our heart.

Hello, I was a good friend of Max's. He was one of the sweetest kids I've ever met. I know I didn't know him the best like Kayden but he was genuinely everyone's friend and always stay kind and positive. During school I found out about his death.. I was heartbroken and so sad. I cried two times. I wish he could have lived longer and I wished was better friends with him. May he find peace in the world. Rest in peace Max 🕊

Max was a great friend of mine. We used to sit at lunch together, we would pass the football together. He was just one of the people who was always cup half full. He was always welcoming to others. And he was always welcoming to everybody. He truly was a kind person. - Madeline Hillstead

I was a classmate of Maxes in 4th and 5th grade and everyday he was cheery, kind, and loving to everyone. He was also welcoming to everyone and always making sure nobody is left out. I hope that he knows that he was loved a lot and that he was always the best friend you could ever ask for, and he will never be forgotten. Sincerely, Vivian Davis.❤️🕊️

Although I wish I had gotten the chance to know you better, I’m grateful you were a part of our family. You were taken far too soon, and you will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, sweet boy. ❤️🕊️

We loved Max deeply and admired his heart, courage, and enthusiasm for life. We were so devastated not to make it for the service, but are thinking and praying for the Rice family and all those who Max blessed throughout his life. Sending lots of love.

Kevin, I just wanted to say I'm truly sorry for your loss, I have no words. I hope you find the strength to go through this unimaginable time.